Tag Archives: 2023

2023 TOPPS SERIES 2 CHECKLIST BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball card set is scheduled for release in early August, continuing Topps’ iconic flagship baseball card lineup for the new season. Like prior Series 2 sets, this checklist will feature a blend of rookie cards, stars from the first half of the season, and inserts highlighting special editions.

With the season past its midpoint, Topps Series 2 is renowned for introducing the prospect call-ups and debuting rookies that have emerged over the summer months. Some of the biggest young names expected in this year’s set include catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles, outfielder Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners, and pitcher Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds. All three players have made impressive impressions in their first full MLB campaigns and are poised to become cornerstone franchise talents going forward.

In addition to star rookies, past 30 Series 2 checklists have highlighted veterans enjoying breakout campaigns or returning from injury in memorable fashion. Some early candidates for inclusion based on first half performance include Yankees slugger Aaron Judge as he chases the single season home run record, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in his walk year, and Giants first baseman Brandon Belt who is thriving in a contract season at age 34. Veteran two-way contributions are always well represented in Topps Series 2.

Autograph and memorabilia cards will again be a major part of the allure for this year’s Series 2 checklist. Topps has steadily increased the quantity of autographed and memorabilia cards inserted in their baseball sets each year to meet growing collector demand. While base autographs will focus on stars, rookies, and breakouts, highly coveted 1/1 autograph parallel variants seem destined to feature household names like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Juan Soto. Memorabilia cards have also become more creative in recent years, incorporating unique material like game-used batting gloves, catcher’s gear, and even bases.

Topps also builds anticipation each year with innovative insert sets exclusive to Series 2 packaging. Recent standouts have included the annual Topps NOW cards recreating iconic real-time MLB moments from the current season. Another staple is the Topps ’86 inserts reimagining current players in the iconic design from that era. Additional unique inserts in past Series 2 checklists have paid tribute to MLB milestones, All-Star games, postseason heroes, and prime seasons from the living legends of the sport. The scope and subjects of these inserts evolve annually to excite collectors both casual and ardent.

Beyond base cards and inserts, the die-cut and refractors parallel sets within Series 2 are built for longevity as highly sought premium versions. In 2021, the most valuable parallels skewed towards die-cuts focused on rookie phenoms like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Nolan Arenado in their early career phases. For 2023, collectors can expect similar parallels spotlighting current wunderkinds ready to ascend like Rodríguez, Greene, Rutschman and more in parallels that enhance playability and long-term retention of value.

As always, the backbone of any Topps baseball release is the base card checklist highlighting every player on a Major League roster from opening day. With roster fluctuations constant, Series 2 ensures all contributing names get included over the duration of a full campaign. Veterans, prospects, and everyone in between receive due representation which preserves the universal appeal and long-term collecting scope of the Topps flagship brand.

The 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball card release is on pace to maintain the set’s stature as a collectors’ most anticipated midseason infusion. With another summer of exciting MLB action unfolding daily, this checklist promises to encapsulate all the emerging storylines and rising young talents coming into focus industrywide. Between the stars on base cards and the level of inserts, parallels, autographs and more in specialty products, Series 2 looks to once again satisfy veterans and newcomers alike amongst the hobby’s expansive baseball community.

BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS BOX

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The Bowman 2023 baseball card release is one of the most anticipated card releases of the year for baseball card collectors and die-hard baseball fans alike. Bowman is the first major baseball card release each year containing rookie cards and prospect cards for some of the top minor league and international prospects who will hope to make their MLB debuts in the coming seasons.

Released annually by Topps, the Bowman brand has been releasing high-end, prospect-focused baseball cards since 1949. Over the decades, Bowman cards have become among the most coveted in the hobby as they offer a first glimpse at the next generation of future MLB stars in their earliest pro card appearances. Notable Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera had their rookie cards in Bowman sets.

For the 2023 release, collectors can expect to find cards featuring some of the top prospects in baseball inside classic wax packs, as well as high-end boxes, blasters, and exclusive hobby boxes with autographed and memorabilia cards inserted. Below is an overview of some of the Bowman 2023 product options collectors can pursue:

Hobby Boxes – These high-end boxes are the primary way collectors can pursue chasing the top rookie cards and autographs from Bowman 2023. A standard hobby box contains 12 packs with 11 cards per pack for a total of 132 cards. Hobby boxes guarantee at least one autograph or memorabilia card per box.
Blaster Boxes – Slightly more affordable than hobby boxes at $20-25 each, blaster boxes contain 6 or 8 packs with varying numbers of cards in each pack, usually totaling between 60-100 cards per box. Chances of hits are significantly lower than hobby boxes.
Value Packs – Simple wax packs containing 9-11 basic prospect cards that can be found in retail stores, value packs offer a low-cost way to try Bowman for $1-3 each.
Jumbo Boxes – As the name suggests, these mega boxes are even larger and carry a higher price tag of $150-300 each. Jumbos contain 24 packs or more and 2-4 guaranteed hits including top prospects’ autographs or memorabilia cards.

In terms of the specific cards collectors can hope to pull in 2023 Bowman, here are some of the highlights:

Rookie Cards – The biggest chase is striking gold on a prospect’s rookie card before they debut in the majors. Players like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr, and Adley Rutschman had massive rookie years after debuting with their RC in prior Bowman sets.
Autograph Cards – With one guaranteed per hobby box, these autographed versions of top prospects command big bucks if the player pans out. Limited parallels make hits even rarer and more valuable.
Memorabilia Cards – Bowman is known for “Hit” cards containing uniform swatches, bat knobs, or other memorabilia paired with a rookie card. Serialized parallels add to the prestige.
International Prospect Cards – The brand highlights amateurs from globally with special world flag logos and extra info on international prospects’ stats & backgrounds.
Short Prints and Parallels – Limited insert sets spotlight prospects, while parallels like gold, silver, black, and refractors of base cards multiply the card design options.

The Bowman 2023 release is always a pivotal first look at baseball’s future through its vast rookie and prospect cards. While taking a gamble that any individual player will succeed, the sheer volume and quality of the prospect content makes Bowman packs, boxes, and breaks highly engaging for collectors until the next wave of rookies arrives in stores. The brand’s long tradition of identifying future legends keeps excitement high for chasing baseball’s up-and-coming stars at the ground floor of their pro careers each spring with the Bowman release.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The 2023 Topps baseball card series is one of the most anticipated releases each year. As the longest running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps is known for delivering high quality cards that capture the essence of America’s pastime. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to add to your collection or a newcomer just getting into the hobby, 2023 Topps cards offer something for everyone.

As with each new season, Topps has delivered another massive release featuring all 30 MLB teams and over 600 total cards. Ranging from base cards to parallels, inserts, and autographs – there is incredible variety to chase after. Some of the most coveted rookie cards in the set include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, and Shane Baz. International stars like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr also receive star treatment with special parallels and autograph variations.

Veteran stars are well represented too, with legends like Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols, and Yadier Molina spotlighted on unique “Legends” parallels. Franchise greats like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Aaron Judge receive extra attention as well through special photo and autograph variations. The base set itself contains over 500 cards featuring every player on an MLB roster, making it a must-have for any completionist collector.

Beyond the base cards, Topps has really outdone themselves with the inserts and hit parallels in 2023. Some of the most popular include:

“Stars of MLB” – Gorgeous full bleed photo inserts of the game’s biggest names.

“Legendary Performers” – Career highlights of all-time greats like Babe Ruth and Cy Young.

“Then and Now” – Side by side rookie and current photos of stars.

“2023 ASG” – Cards commemorating this year’s All Star festivities in Seattle.

“Topps Now” – Instant hits recapping the season’s best moments in near real-time.

“League Leaders” – Stats-focused inserts honoring batting/ERA champions.

“Future Stars” – Rookie photos and stats previews of the game’s up and comers.

“70th Anniversary” – Retro styled parallels celebrating Topps’ historic run.

The true chase cards however are the autographs, relics, and 1/1 rarities inserted throughout packs and boxes. Topps Authentic autographed jersey cards, memorabilia cards with game used pieces, and ultra-rare 1/1 autograph parallels of stars like Soto, Acuña Jr, and deGrom are the white whales that excite collectors. With such a massive and varied overall product, there truly is something in the 2023 Topps baseball release for everyone.

For collectors just getting started, the most affordable way to experience the 2023 Topps baseball card set is through retail blaster and hanger boxes. These can be found at major retailers like Walmart, Target and hobby shops for $20-30 and contain around 10-12 packs each. This is a low commitment way to build your base set and experience the thrill of the hobby without breaking the bank. For more advanced collectors, hobby boxes offer the best bang for your buck, retailing around $100 each and containing around 12 packs with guaranteed premium hits. These boxes are available through online hobby shops and breakers.

For those looking for specific stars, parallels or chase cards, the secondary market on eBay is a great option. Here you can find virtually any 2023 Topps card you want, whether it’s a base Mike Trout for $5 or a 1/1 Trout auto for thousands. Just be wary of fakes and grade your big ticket cards to ensure authenticity. Collectors groups on Facebook are also excellent marketplaces for trading and selling duplicate cards. With such a massive and varied release, there will always be new 2023 Topps baseball cards for sale on the secondary market to fuel your collecting habit.

Whether you’re a newcomer or veteran collector, the 2023 Topps baseball card set offers something for everyone. As the standard bearer in the hobby for over 70 years, Topps continues to deliver high quality cards and memorable chase cards that capture the essence of America’s pastime each season. With such variety and affordability across various product levels, it’s no wonder 2023 Topps remains one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Get out there and start adding to your collection!

STADIUM CLUB BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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Topps Stadium Club is one of the premier baseball card sets released each year. The 2023 edition follows in the tradition of high-end photo and design elements that collectors have come to expect from this set. Some of the key things to know about Stadium Club 2023 include:

Design – As with past years, Topps went with a simple yet elegant design for Stadium Club 2023. The cards have a clean white border surrounding sharp action photos of the players. Statistics and team logos are provided in a strip along the bottom. The fronts maintain a classic baseball card look while highlighting the photography. On the backs, bios and additional stats are printed on a blue background. The designs hold true to what fans love about Stadium Club while maintaining a modern flair.

Photo Quality – Topps is known for using some of the best action shots in the industry for Stadium Club, and this year’s release does not disappoint. The cameras seem to have caught every player in peak motion, whether they are swinging a bat, windmilling a pitch or fielding a ball. Fans will find some true gems that freeze iconic baseball moments. Both rookie cards and veterans get spectacular photos that really pop out of the card. Topps leaves no doubt why Stadium Club is considered a premium product just in the photography alone.

Rookies and Prospects – As in years past, Topps loaded Stadium Club 2023 with some of the game’s top rookie cards and prospects. Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodríguez and Drew Waters are just a few names that will attract lots of collector interest. These young stars are captured in their early MLB moments through great action shots. parallels and autographs of rookies like Oneil Cruz further sweeten the pot. Even lesser-known prospects get inclusion, offering bettors on the farm system a chance to get an early card.

Parallels and Inserts – While the base Stadium Club cards satisfy on their own, Topps added various parallels and inserts to chase. Silver pack parallels are numbered to 25 copies or less. Gold parallels come numbered to 10. Refractors and Negative refractors also hit the checklist. Theme insert sets like “Diamond Kings,” “Diamond Performers” and “Diamond Cutters” present more photographic styles. Autograph and memorabilia cards of franchise stars give high-end chase appeal. The parallels and inserts provide multiple collecting avenues beyond the base set.

Checklist – Topps assembled an impressive 353-card base checklist for Stadium Club 2023 that spans all 30 MLB teams. Both active players and retired greats make their way into the set. Rookies and young stars hold plenty of slot allotment. Veterans who have been with the organization for years also earn spots. International players and two-way superstars round out the diverse player selection. Fans will find their PC guys and team favorites represented.

Production – As is typical for a high-end Topps release, Stadium Club 2023 saw a strict print run with supply and demand in mind. The manufacturer limited copies to satisfy collector demand rather than overproduce. While initial hobby box allocations sold out quickly, Topps left many fans wanting more of this coveted product. A scarce production schedule adds cachet that retains value over time for investors.

Resale Market – Thanks to the strict print run, photography quality, rookie class and inserts – Stadium Club 2023 found quick uptake on the secondary market. Within weeks of release, individual cards – especially of star rookies – saw selling prices far surpass their original pack odds value. Many parallels and autographed cards reached four-figure sales. Even base rookies held substantial worth. While retail remains available, resellers moved product briskly. The demand vastly outstripped the initial supply.

In summary, Topps Stadium Club 2023 lived up to collector expectations as one of the year’s premier baseball card products. Awe-inspiring photography, a loaded checklist and short print run recipe continued the reputation of providing an exclusive high-end collecting experience for both fans and investors. Its thorough representation of the sport along with scarcity should ensure the set maintains strong long-term value.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2023 Topps Baseball Cards complete set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from the flagship baseball card manufacturer Topps. As collectors and fans eagerly await the release of the new season, Topps delivers another massive complete set featuring the latest rookie classes, star players, and team designs.

The 2023 Topps Baseball complete set contains a whopping 700 cards including base cards, parallels, inserts, and more. The massive checklist provides collectors with countless opportunities to build their player collections or team sets. Topps continues its long tradition of honoring the past, present, and future of Major League Baseball through visually striking card designs and memorable photography.

For the base card design, Topps went with a clean and classic look reminiscent of some of its most popular sets from the 1980s and 1990s. A solid color background dominates each card with the team logo prominently displayed at the top. Player names, positions, and stats are listed cleanly below the image. Some consider it a throwback to simpler designs of decades past that allowed the photography and players to shine. Parallels of the base cards include Gold, Silver, and Rainbow Foil variations for added rarity and collection building.

Rookie cards remain a highlight each year and 2023 is no exception. Topps features Base Rookie Cards for prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Druw Jones, and Termarr Johnson as they embark on their MLB careers. Additional rookie insert sets like Top Prospects, Stars of Tomorrow, and Future Phenoms provide extended looks at the next generation of young stars. Veterans and established players also receive special treatment with Topps Legacy and Topps Finest insert sets honoring their careers and accomplishments.

Topps continues to pay tribute to the rich history of baseball with retro-inspired insert sets. The Turn Back The Clock collection transports collectors back to bygone eras with card designs from the 1930s, 50s, 70s and more. Players are featured in period-accurate uniforms against authentic historical backgrounds. Nostalgia runs deep with this popular annual set. Topps Heritage also looks to baseball’s storied past with a design evoking the classic 1951 and 1969 Topps issues many collectors grew up with.

In addition to standard singles, the 2023 Topps complete set includes a wide array of insert sets providing numerous creative takes on players and teams. The Topps Gallery collection highlights unique action shots and portraits through modern photographic techniques. Topps NOW captures the biggest moments from the current season in near real-time for a truly up-to-the-minute experience. Regional hits like Topps Stadium Club and Allen & Ginter bring a local flair with ties to specific cities and regions.

Completing a full 2023 Topps set remains a challenging task for any collector. With 700+ total cards spread across numerous parallel and insert variations, it’s a true marathon to acquire them all. For the dedicated, the satisfaction of finishing such an expansive modern release is well worth the effort. As one of the longest running brands in the industry, Topps continues innovating while honoring baseball card traditions with its flagship offering. The 2023 Topps Baseball complete set promises to be another memorable collection for years to come.

Whether building full sets, focusing on favorite players or specific insert sets, the 2023 Topps release provides endless collecting opportunities. Rookies, stars, parallels, retro designs, and more come together in a massive checklist paying tribute to America’s pastime. As a new baseball season begins, Topps delivers an epic collection for fans and collectors to enjoy as they look back on the previous year and ahead to the future.

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is an international baseball tournament run by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in partnership with Major League Baseball. First held in 2006, it is held every four years featuring national teams from around the world competing to be crowned the world champion. Plans are underway for the 2023 edition of the WBC that will take place from March 8-21, 2023 in cities across the United States, Japan and Taiwan.

Topps has produced official trading cards for every WBC since its inception, providing baseball card collectors a unique opportunity to obtain cards featuring their favorite international players outside of their MLB uniforms. For the 2023 WBC, Topps plans to release retail and insert sets totaling over 400 cards highlighting the excitement and drama of the international tournament. Here is an overview of what collectors can expect from the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic trading cards.

Base Set – The base set will feature 260 cards consisting of all qualified players and managers for the 16 participating teams. Players will be photographed in their official team uniforms wearing country colors with flag logos. Checklists, sponsor/event cards, and retired player tribute cards are also expected to be included. Topps has released base sets for past WBC tournaments in both factory-sealed wax boxes as well as retail blasters/hangers.

Premium Parallel Inserts – Like previous WBC releases, Topps plans premium parallels of top stars in various colors and numbered to specific print runs. Expect gold, silver, and red refractors, among others. Past sets featured numbered parallels as low as /10 copies making these inserts highly sought after by collectors pursuing the rarest versions.

Autograph/Memorabilia Cards – Topps inserts autographed cards of top international stars and MLB icons participating in the tournament. Past releases have included dual-autographed cards with players from different countries. For the first time, Topps plans “relic” cards containing game-used memorabilia from iconic WBC moments encapsulated on the cardboard.

Clear Vision Refractor Inserts – Top prospect players under 25 years old will be featured on these shiny refractive parallel cards numbering /199 copies highlighting the next generation of international talent.

Mascots Insert Set – Continuing a fun tradition, Topps will feature the official mascots for each WBC team nation on 4″ x 4″ cartoon cards. This set is a big hit with collectors of all ages.

Floating Head Inserts – Select franchise stars will appear on oversized head-shot “floating head” parallel cards that stand out from the rest of the set amidst a plain color background.

Team Set Inserts – Collectors can assemble complete 33-card team sets highlighting each of the 16 WBC nation squads with statistics, manager info, and more. These detailed team checklists are collector favorites.

Rainbow Foil Parallels – Topps’ ultra-popular and coveted “rainbow foil” parallel inserts will feature world-class talent on colorful shining cards numbered to just /25 copies, including rare 1/1 editions.

Topps plans widespread distribution methods for the 2023 WBC trading cards. Hobby shops and mass retailers like Walmart will carry Topps retail blasters and packs. Hobby boxes of 12 packs per box targeting serious collectors will be available from Topps.com and specialty sports shops. Cases containing full sets or of premium parallels are expected to fetch top dollar on the secondary marketplace. Digital packs and boxes for the TOPPS NOW WBC digital platform are assured too.

Alongside the primary Topps flagship set, expect full annual releases from competitor brands like Panini and Leaf covering the 2023 WBC too. Special variant sets issued by BBM in Japan of Japanese players are also anticipated. With WBC tournaments becoming a quadrennial tradition, its MLB-sanctioned crossover trading cards continue gaining popularity among both international and Stateside collectors alike. For fans of international baseball and exclusive memorabilia cards, the 2023 World Baseball Classic trading cards set to arrive next spring represent a highly anticipated release.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL VARIATION CARDS

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Topps baseball cards are one of the most iconic and popular brands in the sports card industry. Each year, Topps releases their flagship baseball card set which contains cards of every player in Major League Baseball. However, Topps also inserts variation cards into their sets each year to add excitement and chase for collectors. Variation cards have alternate designs, photos, colors, parallels, or other differences compared to the base cards in the set. The 2023 Topps baseball card release is no exception, containing several exciting variation inserts that collectors will be eagerly pursuing.

One of the most popular types of variations Topps includes each year are photo variations. These feature the same card design but with an alternate action shot of the player. For 2023, Topps is including photo variations across all levels of rarity in the base set, including common, foil, and refractors. Collectors will need to carefully inspect each card they obtain to check for subtle photo differences compared to the base version of that player’s card. This adds an element of surprise to each pack or box opened.

Another variation collectors will find throughout the 2023 Topps set are “negative image” parallels. These feature an inverted color scheme where the colors are flipped, resulting in a mostly white card with black and gray accents and text. These negative image parallels pull double duty by not only being a variation, but also serving as an insert parallel to the base design. They will be inserted randomly in place of standard parallels throughout the set at various rarity levels like the photo variations.

Topps is also including retro-style design variations modeled after their 1970s and 1980s baseball card designs. These “Flashback Friday” variations feature a simplified color scheme and borders that mimic the classic old-school Topps look. They may feature different action shots than the standard card as well. These nostalgic variations pay homage to Topps’ rich baseball card history while adding modern rarity. They will be especially sought after by vintage collectors.

Another unique variation collectors can find is “negative image” autograph and memorabilia cards. These function similarly to the negative image parallels but feature autographed or memorabilia relic inserts with the inverted color treatment. Pulling a negative image autographed or memorabilia card of a star player would be an extremely rare and valuable hit.

Topps also includes “rainbow foil” and “prismatic” parallel variations across various parallel and insert sets like Topps Chrome, Finest, and Sterling. These feature intricate holographic foil patterns or spectra-style color-shifting effects on the card surface. Rainbow foil and prismatic parallels add tremendous visual appeal and allure for collectors. They are some of the flashiest and hardest parallels to pull.

Topps’ most elusive and coveted variations are 1/1 printing plate autographs. These unique cards consist of the printing plate used to create the standard base cards, featuring a full front image and autograph of the player. Due to their singular nature, printing plate autographs command enormous prices in the secondary market once they surface. It’s truly a unique piece of memorabilia to own a 1/1 printing plate variation.

Overall, Topps’ variety of different variation designs, photos, parallels, and autograph/relic combinations inserted throughout their 2023 flagship baseball set provide endless chase and collecting possibilities for hobbyists. Variations add mystery, excitement and rarity to each pack or box. The hunt to complete rainbow variation sets of favorite players or pull the 1/1 printing plates will keep collectors engaged with the 2023 Topps release all year long. Whether collecting for investment or enjoyment of the hobby, variations are a big part of what make annual Topps baseball releases so compelling for sports card enthusiasts.

BEST BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS 2023

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The 2023 MLB rookie class has the potential to be one of the strongest in recent years. Several highly touted prospects made their MLB debuts in 2022 and will have their rookie cards released in 2023. While performance on the field ultimately determines the long term value of any rookie card, here are some of the top rookie cards to watch that could appreciate significantly given a breakout season by the player in 2023.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The number 2 overall pick from the 2019 draft had a solid debut season in 2022 with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He showed why he was such a coveted prospect with his five-tool talent and potential impact on both sides of the ball. Witt’s cards skyrocketed after his call up last year and more gains could be made if he becomes the perennial all-star his ability indicates. The flagship Topps Chrome rookie and autographed cards will likely lead his 2023 class in value.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers – After a disappointing debut in 2022 where he struggled at the plate, Torkelson will look to bounce back as he gets more experience in 2023. The number 1 overall pick from 2020 has huge power potential and a beautiful left-handed swing. If he can put it all together and start mashing home runs, his cards like Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome autographed could surge. There is boom-or-bust potential with Torkelson that makes his rookie cards somewhat risky but with huge upside.

Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – J-Rod had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory in 2022 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He established himself as a true five-tool talent and the face of the Mariners franchise. Rodriguez’ cards skyrocketed last year and should continue to appreciate given his all-star caliber potential. The Topps Chrome base rookie along with Topps Chrome autographed refractor remain his most coveted cards.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – After being drafted number 1 overall in 2019, Rutschman finally made his MLB debut in 2022 and did not disappoint. He showed why he was such a blue-chip prospect by hitting .254 with 7 home runs in just 46 games. His defense behind the plate was also praised. If Rutschman builds on his debut in 2023 and becomes the star catcher that teams hoped for, his rookie cards like Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome autographs could be long term keepers.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – Cruz made a splash in his debut last season with his incredible raw power and speed for a man his size at 6’7″. He hit 4 home runs in just 30 games. Cruz still needs refinement but has a chance to be a true five-tool star if he puts it all together. His rookie cards like Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome autographs are already in high demand given his unique physical tools and upside. More playing time in 2023 could see his cards take off.

Rookies who debuted late in 2022 like Cristian Pache (Athletics), Michael Harris II (Braves), and Gavin Sheets (White Sox) also have rookie cards to watch in 2023 as they look to build on their initial MLB success. Top prospects that could debut in 2023 like Gunnar Henderson (Orioles), Jackson Jobe (Tigers), and Druw Jones (Braves) will have their first Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie cards released that year which could gain value quickly if they impress at the MLB level.

The 2023 MLB rookie class has the potential for several breakout stars. While performance ultimately determines the long term value of any rookie card, players like Witt Jr., Rodriguez, Rutschman, and Cruz seem poised to continue developing into stars in 2023 and their flagship rookie cards released that year could appreciate significantly if they do. With such elite talent in the rookie class, 2023 shapes up to be an exciting year to collect the next generation of baseball stars at the card level. Patience and discerning which players truly have star potential will help investors capitalize on the upside of this promising rookie class over the long run.

BEST CARDS IN 2023 TOPPS SERIES 1 BASEBALL

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The 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball set is set to release in late January 2023, kicking off another year of the flagship Topps baseball card product. As with every year, the Series 1 set contains a wide variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that collectors will be eager to find. With its massive checklist of over 350 cards, there are plenty of exciting cards to chase after. Here are some of the top cards collectors will want to keep an eye out for as they rip packs of the new Series 1 release.

One of the biggest draws of any Series 1 set are the rookie cards of the top prospects making their MLB debuts. 2023 looks to have an excellent class headlined by Druw Jones, the #2 overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks who many consider the best prospect in all of baseball. As the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones, Druw’s rookie card will be a hot commodity. Other top rookie cards to watch for include Jackson Holliday (Rockies), Elijah Green (Royals), Termarr Johnson (Braves), and Brooks Lee (Twins). Autographs and parallels of these rookies will be highly sought after.

On the veteran side, perennial MVP candidates like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Aaron Judge always have cards that hold value. Trout’s base card is a staple of the set each year while Ohtani and Judge tend to have some of the most popular parallels. 2023 also marks the final Topps cards for legends like Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Justin Verlander before they retire, making their cards potential keepsakes. Rookies aren’t the only ones who can have big years – breakout stars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman could see their values rise with another strong season.

When it comes to parallels, the most valuable tend to be the short printed, serial numbered versions. Top parallel cards to watch for include the Gold #/2021, Rainbow Foil #/150, and Black #/50. Autograph cards signed by the games’ elite will always be in high demand. Topps usually includes at least one autograph per box on average, with serial numbered versions /25 or lower holding premier value. Also keep an eye out for 1/1 printing plates, which are the literal printing plate used to create the card and are one-of-a-kind collectibles.

Baseball cards are as much about the player photography and designs as they are the players themselves. Topps consistently delivers creative and compelling card designs that collectors enjoy adding to their collections. Some standouts for 2023 Series 1 based on initial design previews include a cool action shot of Ohtani on the Angels’ card, a fun “play ball” themed Trout card, and a stylish portrait of rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez in a Mariners uniform. Parallels like the Gold cards tend to feature alternative photography that makes them unique from the base versions as well.

Of course, no card is guaranteed to hold value or increase over time. Injuries, trades, or disappointing seasons can negatively impact even the biggest stars. By focusing on rookies with the most hype and proven veterans at the top of their game, collectors maximize their chances of finding cards that will retain longterm appeal. Autographs, parallels and 1/1s from the biggest names offer the most safety when it comes to resale potential down the road. The 2023 Topps Series 1 release shapes up to have an exciting mix of prospects and vets to keep the hobby buzzing throughout the coming baseball season.

When Series 1 arrives at the end of January, collectors will be eager to rip packs and add these prized rookies, stars and parallels to their collections. While the odds of landing a true gem are slim, the thrill of the hunt is what keeps the baseball card hobby exciting year after year. Whether collecting for enjoyment or investment, Topps Series 1 is a must-have for any baseball card fan. Be sure to check with your local card shops and hobby retailers to find packs of the new 2023 release hitting shelves in late January. With rookies like Druw Jones and veterans like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani leading the way, this Series 1 looks to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.

TOP TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 baseball season is right around the corner which means it will soon be the perfect time to start collecting some of the most valuable and sought after modern baseball cards. Topps continues to be the industry leader in baseball cards and their 2023 series 1 release is sure to contain several rookie cards and parallels of star players that will hold significant value in the years to come. Let’s take a look at some of the top Topps baseball cards to look out for from the 2023 season.

perhaps the most anticipated rookie card release for 2023 will be San Diego Padres shortstop C.J. Abrams. Abrams finished the 2022 season strong and looks poised for a breakout campaign in 2023 now that Fernando Tatis Jr. will be suspended. Any parallels or autographed versions of Abrams’ rookie card could fetch a high premium from collectors next season. Another rookie to watch out for is catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. After a solid debut in 2022, Rutschman will look to take that next step as the future catcher and face of the Orioles franchise. An on-card auto of Rutschman would surely be one of the highest valued prospects cards of 2023.

For star veterans, Aaron Judge’s cards from the 2022 season completely exploded in value after his historic 62 home run campaign. With Judge now a Yankee for life after re-signing long term, any 2023 Topps cards featuring the face of baseball will hold significance. Parallel color variations like the popular rainbow foilrefractor parallels could gain high dollar values in the future. Speaking of parallels, any short printed parallels featuring superstar Shohei Ohtani who continues to redefine what is possible on the mound and at the plate for the Angels will be must-have cards for collectors. Parallels like the elusive 1/1 auto parallel could fetch enormous sums.

Rookies are always a hot commodity but established young stars are also great investments. Looking ahead to 2023, Cards of Ronald Acuña Jr. as he returns from injury looking to reclaim his throne as one of baseball’s best will hold value. The same can be said for 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman as he plays his first full season with the Dodgers. Top pitching prospects like Tampa Bay’s Shane Baz and Detroit’s Jackson Jobe who had success in their MLB debuts late in 2022 can gain traction as well. Baz and Jobe rookie cards may gain steam if they break out as starters in 2023.

Autograph cards will always demand a premium in the hobby but numbered parallels tend to gain plenty of collector interest too due to their limited print runs. Keep an eye out for short printed parallels like the elusive 1/1s of course but also low numbered parallels like /25, /10 and lower. These exclusive parallels that feature the games brightest young stars and veterans are irresistible to collectors looking to own a truly one-of-a-kind card. Speaking of one-of-a-kinds, error cards are also hugely popular among collectors. While they can’t be predicted, keep an eye out for printing mistakes, missing signatures or other abnormalities that make a card a true error gem.

Of course, the value of any modern baseball card lives and dies by the performance of the player on it. Rookies and prospects are risks that may or may not pan out. Veterans can get injured or see declines. The athletes featured above are among the safest bets based on talent and what they’ve shown us already. But part of the fun of the hobby is chasing breakouts, investing in upside, and joining the ride of rising young stars. There will surely be plenty more valuable rookies and parallels revealed when 2023 Topps Series 1 hits hobby store shelves in early 2023. Have fun and good luck in chasing down these exciting cards to start your new year of collecting.

In summary, Topps 2023 Series 1 is primed to produce many valuable cards both short and long term. Rookies like Abrams and Rutschman, stars like Judge and Ohtani, vets like Freeman and Acuna and young arms like Baz and Jobe are just a few names that should produce cards worth holding in your collection. Factor in limited parallels, errors, and surprise breakouts and there will be no shortage of cards from the 2023 season that could greatly increase in value in the years to come.